Simon Foster Named New UBM Americas CEO
June 8, 2015
U.K.-based UBM has named Simon Foster, current CEO of UBM EMEA, as CEO of UBM Americas.
Foster takes over for Sally Shankland, who stepped down a few weeks ago and has a new position with McGraw-Hill Education.
“We feel Simon is very well placed to lead the UBM Americas business,” said UBM CEO Tim Cobbold. “He has extensive experience in managing integrations and has deep knowledge of our products, key customers and people in the region, having previously had responsibility for many of these business units.”
Foster will step into his new post June 29 and his focus will be on continuing the implementation of UBM’s ‘Events First’ strategy and unification of the UBM Americas business, including Advanstar Communications’ portfolio that the company bought last year.
“The UBM Americas senior management team is extremely strong and I look forward to working with them as we continue to implement the ‘Events First’ strategy and successfully integrate UBM Advanstar,” Foster said.
Once the integration is well established, UBM will look to appoint a new leader for UBM Americas and Foster will return to his role as CEO of UBM EMEA, according to UBM officials.
Foster has more than 25 years of experience in the exhibition industry. While he is currently the CEO of UBM EMEA, he previously has led the Brazil, Canon, Connect and Mexico business units, all of which are now part of UBM Americas.
He was responsible for the highly successful integration of Canon Communications into UBM. To oversee the day to day responsibilities of the EMEA division UBM has started an internal process and expect to appoint an Acting CEO of UBM EMEA shortly.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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